. >> he's a very eloquent speaker and in his debate last time with senator mccain, he'll be very eloquent. >> reporter: the whole idea is lower the bar and if you're doing well you beat expectations and win the debate, the spin they're playing. listen to stephanie from the obama campaign. >> what history tells us that challengers normally win the first debate just by the fact they're standing on the stage with the president. that elevates them and normally come into this as underdogs. we're coming into this very realistic mitt romney is likely to win if he plays his cards right. >> reporter: while the candidates themselves are laying low today, the running mates will be in the spotlight. >> tell us about what paul ryan is doing this weekend while mitt romney is rehearsing and getting ready in massachusetts. reporter: you got it. in an hour he will be behind me. we're in dairy, new hampshire. not far from massachusetts. it is a battleground state with four electoral votes up for grabs and later he campaigns in another battleground state, ohio and vice president biden is in another battlegr